I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others.
Marcus AureliusRead
It is a ridiculous thing for a man not to fly from his own badness, which is indeed possible, but to fly from other men's badness, which is impossible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One should focus on their own shortcomings rather than being distracted by others' faults.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal accountability. It highlights the absurdity of attempting to escape one's own moral failings while simultaneously worrying about the flaws of others, suggesting that true growth comes from confronting and addressing one's own badness instead of judging or fleeing from that of others.
Themes
Self-ReflectionAccountabilityMoralityPersonal GrowthPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on personal development, one might use this quote to encourage participants to focus on their own growth.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes βYou have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusRead
Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.
Marcus AureliusRead
Vex not thy spirit at the course of things; they heed not thy vexation. How ludicrous and outlandish is astonishment at anything that may happen in life.
Marcus AureliusRead
You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
Marcus AureliusRead
A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
Marcus AureliusRead
Similar quotes
You imagine the carefully pruned, shaped thing that is presented to you is truth. That is just what it isn't. The truth is improbable, the truth is fantastic; it's in what you think is a distorting mirror that you see the truth.
Jean RhysRead
Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels that he is finding his place in it, while really it is finding its place in him.
C. S. LewisRead
Of her own experience she had no memory of the thing happening; but in her instinct, which was the experience of all mothers of wolves, there lurked a memory of fathers that had eaten their new-born and helpless progeny.
Jack LondonRead
Thrillers are like life, more like life than you are.
Graham GreeneRead
I think part of picking where you live in New York is accepting who you are. Really looking at yourself and going, 'Yeah, I'm not cool enough for the West Village.'
Tina FeyRead
I have an idea heaven will be both absolutely happy and absolutely dark, to protect us from the blaze of God.
Evelyn UnderhillRead